Category Archives: Contemporary

June 5, 2011 · 3:46 am

The Kiss by Emma Shortt

When Eva Diakou is offered a job on the Winterwood estate, she expects nothing but four months of back breaking work. Jobless and lonely, she has little choice but to accept. But things on the Winterwood estate are nothing like Eva was led to believe. Why has she been given one of the plushest rooms? Why is there nothing to do? And why is she so captivated by the strange statues adorning the estate?

Adam Winterwood is paying for a crime he never committed. Trapped for so many years, he is waiting for the one person who can keep him alive…or set him free.

When Adam and Eva meet, sparks fly. Yet, neither realizes the sacrifice they will both have to make. A sacrifice that will bring an end to a centuries old curse, or to one of them.

And it will all be decided by The Kiss.

I have a policy of not reading book blurbs because I have been burned with spoilers before. This is, of course, only for books I know I am going to read regardless of the blurb.

Anyway, I had no idea this book had a fantasy element to it. The fact that it does makes it just that much better to me. I was a little confused at first because the book switches from present day to the 1800s with no explanation. Although I was able to figure out what was going on after a couple of chapters, I think that aspect could have been handled better.

At the beginning of the book, I really felt that Eva was going to be one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) heroines. She agrees to take a job on a distant estate where she will have no contact with the outside world for four months. The interviewer questions her on whether there is any family or friends who will miss her or need to contact her while she is gone . . . and she tells her NO! Fortunately, it does work out for the best.

Adam and Eva (I cannot believe that allusion) are in lust with each other from their first meeting. The sex scenes are hot, but pretty vanilla. Adam definitely has a romantic side as well. If anything, Eva is the one being ruled by her hormones.

There is a witch’s curse and true love is the only way to break it. Maybe I should have classified this book as a fairy tale more than fantasy.

Either way, I really enjoyed it. The plot line was unique, the sex was hot, and the hero was built like a god.

What’s not to like?

(cross posted from http://www.seductivemusings.blogspot….)

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance

June 4, 2011 · 9:11 am

All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall

When 13-year-old Josh finds out that he has to stay with his dad in Chicago for a few months, he’s not too thrilled. But when he arrives at the airport, he’s simply devastated. His father—who used to be a scatterbrained but pretty normal shoe salesman—has become . . . Elvis. Well, a sideburnwearing, hip-twisting, utterly-embarrassing Elvis impersonator.

Josh is determined to keep his dad’s identity a secret, but on his very first day at his new school, a note appears on his locker. It’s signed Elvisly Yours, and instead of a name, a sneering purple smiley face. The secret is out, and when his dad is invited to perform at a special 50s concert at his school, Josh is forced to take drastic action. From award-winning author Shelley Pearsall comes a hilarious novel about discovering the important (and sometimes painful) difference between who you want to be—and who you really are.

This book probably deserves five stars, but the problem is with my taste in books rather than the book.

I am not sure what to say about this book. It should definitely appeal to all the kids whose parents have ever done something that embarrasses them. I guess that means everybody.

I really liked how Josh came to realize that everything was not about him. I couldn’t blame him for being self-centered. I think that is human nature and it is especially strong in a teenager.

I grew up as an Elvis fan and I still enjoy his music. That’s another thing this book will do for you. It will make you want to pull out your old 45s. I wonder if they still make turntables? -grin-

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Young Adult

May 31, 2011 · 8:23 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

Title: Two Out of Three*
Author: Dana Michelle Burnett
Series: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Format: digital ebook
Date/Year: May 2011
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the author for review

Summary from the author’s website:

He said that he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love? That was never part of the bargain.Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

My Musings:

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

I expected the book to be about adults. However, the main characters are in their late teens at the beginning of the book, but the situations and reactions seem more appropriate for adults. It was difficult to tell, but I do not believe they are older than their mid-twenties by the end.

None of the three characters are likable. Vincent, Sarah’s true love, has no backbone. Robert is a violent jerk, and Sarah is a bitch with a capital B. I have no objections to bitchiness in general. One of my favorite quotes is “you call me a bitch like that’s a bad thing.” However, Sarah takes it to the extreme. She is hurtful and controlling and proud of it.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

Ratings:

Overall: 1 star
Sensuality level: 4

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Filed under Contemporary, Romance

May 29, 2011 · 10:15 am

The Morgue and Me by John C. Ford

Library

Christopher just needed a job to kill time the summer after high school graduation. He didn’t expect it to be in the morgue. Or that he would accidentally discover a murder cover-up. Or that his discovery would lead him to a full-blown investigation involving bribery, kidnappings, more murders . . . and his best friend. And he certainly could never have predicted that Tina—loud, insanely hot, ambitious newspaper reporter Tina—would be his partner. But all of that did happen. And Christopher’s life will never be the same.

With plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and dry wit, The Morgue and Me is a page-turning modern take on the classic detective genre. (from Goodreads)

This is the first of the YA books I have read for the summer. It is a nominee for this year’s Georgia Peach Award and definitely a good start.

Christopher (not Chris) is a classic example of “curiosity killed the cat” and “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He took the job in the morgue because he wanted to be a spy when he grew up. He figured he could learn something about forensic pathology while he was there.

When the first dead body arrives, he sneaks a look at the corpse after everyone has left and discovers that there is no way the guy died by suicide. So why did the coroner write up the death certificate that way . . . and where did all the money come from?

There are numerous possible suspects and I did not figure out all the twists and turns until the end. To me, that makes a good mystery.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Realistic, Young Adult

May 25, 2011 · 2:35 pm

The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons (Light Dragons, #2) by Katie MacAlister

Ysolde Bouchier is still coming to terms with the dragon part of her, while at the same time trying to free a friend of Baltic-her Black Dragon lover-from the weyr, get Baltic to meet with the dragons who want him dead, rescue a half-dragon damsel in over her head, raise the shade of the man everyone says killed her, and once and for all clear Baltic’s name of the murder charges that continue to plague him.

For Ysolde, being a dragon is starting to bite.

I had to re-read Love in the Time of Dragons before reading the new book. It’s a good thing I did because I would have never been able to follow the story otherwise.

The best part of this book is the inclusion of characters from previous dragon series. Jim, the demon dog, plays a fairly large part. And yes, I said demon dog.

Although the ending is not a cliff hanger, it definitely leaves a lot of loose ends. I should have waited for the entire trilogy to be published before reading any of them.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance

May 21, 2011 · 3:50 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

He said he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love?

That was never part of the bargain.

Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She seals her fate with a bargain and she finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

(cross posted from http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/…)

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Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance

April 30, 2011 · 12:22 pm

Abandon (Abandon, #1) by Meg Cabot

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can’t help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she’s never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she’s moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can’t. Because even here, he finds her. That’s how desperately he wants her back. She knows he’s no guardian angel, and his dark world isn’t exactly heaven, yet she can’t stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

This is Meg Cabot’s latest release and it begins a new series based on the Persephone myth. Obviously, this is not one of her humorous stories.

Although it is part of a series, the ending was not a real cliffhanger. There was one storyline that was not addressed that I wish had been explored further. It’s going to bother me until the next book comes out.

When you finish reading the book, ask me about it. I want to see if you have figured anything out that I missed.

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

April 28, 2011 · 5:56 pm

Mane Squeeze (Pride, #4) by Shelly Laurenston

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O’Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and . . . uh . . . well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don’t believe in forever.
At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She’s sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she’s a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she’s being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn’t like hybrids . . . and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn’t get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can’t simply walk away. Not when she’s come to mean absolutely everything to him.

How many times am I going to re-read this book? It doesn’t matter. I always love it.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Humor, Paranormal, Romance

April 27, 2011 · 5:17 am

Black Magic Woman (The Others, #4) by Christine Warren

Daphanie Carter is thrilled that her sister Danice finally found her Prince Charming—even though he’s not quite, well, human. Daphanie is trying to keep an open mind. Which is why she jumps at the chance to enter the hidden world of The Others when a friendly imp invites her to a non-human nightclub. Daphanie’s curious to see how the Other half lives—and parties—but soon, one handsome stranger has her bewitched, bothered, and beside herself…

Enter Asher Grayson. As a Guardian, it’s his job to protect humans who get mixed up in the affairs of Others. When he spots Daphanie in a club, going head to head with a notorious witch doctor, he steps in to cool things off. Now the heat is on. Daphanie becomes the target of strange magical attacks, and Asher’s got to undo the voodoo before it’s too, too late. But soon he starts to wonder if this beautiful, beguiling mortal has put a spell on him—because every little thing she does is magic…

I thought this was another re-write of of one her ebooks. I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t remember it. This was actually a completely new book. It just took place in the middle of the series.

I think this one is a little darker than most of the series. I hope that is not a new direction she is going. I really like the humor in her other books.

Christine Warren included a letter to the reader which lists the reading order of this series. It even includes books that are not published yet. She promises this is the order that will remain, so I guess I need to renumber my books. The original ebook title is in parentheses.

One Bite With a Stranger (Fantasy Fix)
Big Bad Wolf (Fur Factor)
Prince Charming Doesn’t Live Here (Faer Fetched)
Black Magic Woman
Not Your Ordinary Faerie Tale (Fighting Faer) – not published yet
Untitled
Fur for All (I am assuming this will be re-released under a different title in the future.)
Fur Play (ditto)
Wolf at the Door
She’s No Faerie Princess
The Demon You Know
Howl at the Moon
Walk on the Wild Side
You’re so Vein
Born to be Wild

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Paranormal, Romance

April 26, 2011 · 5:55 am

Big Bad Beast (Pride, #6) by Shelly Laurenston

When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe…Ric can’t believe his luck. He’s wanted this fiercely independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn’t some in-your-face Alpha male – but a wily, resourceful wolf who’ll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.

I have been waiting for this book for months. Okay, I have been waiting since the last book, Beast Behaving Badly, was released. Which, by the way, I have read and re-read and re-read again.

I knew I probably wouldn’t like this one as well simply because Dee isn’t the most likable character in the series. However, the author does an excellent job of developing her personality without changing any of her previous traits.

Almost all, if not all, of the previous main characters show up again along with a few who have only been mentioned in previous books. And yes, Blayne is there to torture Dee Ann.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Paranormal, Romance